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Volvo XC70: It's one big wagon

The Lowell Sun

Updated:
11/20/2012 09:55:43 AM EST

You'll remember the XC70's size when you try to parallel-park or turn around in a small parking lot -- or when you step out, and the 8.3-inch ground clearance puts the ground farther away than you expect. (Courtesy photo)

Volvo's XC70 is a familiar enough sight; since its introduction as the V70 Cross Country in 1997, the big Swedish SUV/wagon has maintained a focused purpose and similar styling cues. In a world of annual updates, the XC70 is a perennial.

That doesn't mean it's not growing and changing, however. For 2013, the changes are evolutionary, including standard rain-sensing wipers, new features for the automatic headlamps and trim changes.

Last year saw the introduction of a performance-enhancing package from Volvo's performance and racing partners at Polestar that helps to address one of the XC70's consistent weak points.

Polestar isn't your typical performance-enhancement package. Perhaps that's why the badge is so subtle - just a tiny blue square on the tailgate. Available with the turbocharged T6, the Polestar package offers very subtle enhancements. The XC70's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine is already potent, making 300 horsepower and putting the power down through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Polestar upgrade adds 25 horsepower and 30 poundfeet of torque. Where Polestar's boost is most evident is in the midrange. Just when, on a stock XC70 T6, the car's 4,100-pound bulk would begin to make itself evident, the Polestarequipped version seems to get lighter, and launches harder.

It's the kind of seamless rush that Infiniti and Audi are known for, and it makes the XC70 considerably less cumbersome to maneuver in traffic. All-wheel drive is standard on the XC70 T6.

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It's still a bit cumbersome.

The Polestar boost plus the XC70's tendency to drive small, create a car that seems to forget just how big it actually is.

The suspension uses MacPherson struts with asymmetrically mounted coil springs up front and a multilink rear. The XC70 provides decent isolation from the bumps but without as much roll or waddle that its size suggests.

You'll remember the XC70's size when you try to parallel-park or turn around in a small parking lot, though. Or when you step out, and the 8.3-inch ground clearance puts the ground farther away than you expect. Helping to make the driving experience even more pleasant are the available adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system and auto-braking collision-warning system.

Volvo's unique pedestriandetection system is also available on the XC70 as a part of its City Safety package, which also monitors the approach of objects at speeds under 19 mph and will bring the car to a stop if it senses the driver is about to roll into something. The XC70's styling masks its size as well. Seventeen-inch wheels with tall 235-series tires and contrasting-colored fender flares do a good job of reducing the visual bulk. Volvo's signature styling cues draw the eye to the new rounded and bolder grille and the hints of satiny chrome trim around the windows and rocker panels, and the big, rugged go-anywhere wagon exudes a confidence that renders any arguments of size irrelevant.

Long story short: This is a good-looking car.

Volvo has been good at building comfortable interiors for quite some time now, and the XC70 carries that tradition forward. The seats are comfortable and wide enough to please tall drivers, and raise high enough to provide good visibility for shorter folks. The dash has been tweaked with a new upper section. The old retractable navigation screen is gone, replaced by a seveninch screen that combines radio, navigation and other functions. Bluetooth connectivity is standard.

Satin-textured metal trim and available walnut wood trim finish the cabin handsomely, and LED ambient lighting helps to set a relaxed mood after dark, and enhances the design of the dash and center console. Comfort is further enhanced by heated seats front and rear.

Volvo's forte has been station wagons for many years, so the XC70 represents the Swedish brand at its best.

Cargo space is a healthy 33.3 cubic feet with the seats up.

Fold 'em flat and that goes up to 72.1 cubic feet; that's enough to swallow a sizable steamer trunk or three. The cargo compartment also features built-in adjustable tie-down points.

Luxury amenities abound, from a moonroof to front and rear parking assist and a power tailgate. Whether you call it a crossover or a tall wagon, the XC70 is a premium cargo hauler.

The XC70 was a luxury crossover before the term even formally existed, and the latest version is the best yet. Don't listen to the crusty Swedophiles who insist that the last good Volvo was built in 1993.

XC70 pricing starts at just over $33,000 for the frontwheel- drive version, and at $40,300 for all-wheel drive. Add all the toys on the XC70 T6 AWD Platinum, and you've got a $45,000 vehicle. The Polestar package adds $1,495 to the bottom line and is well worth it.

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